MARAC Process For High Risk Victims

A MARAC is a regular local meeting to discuss how to help victims at high risk of murder or serious harm. A domestic abuse specialist, police, children’s social services, health and other relevant agencies all sit around the same table. They talk about the victim, the family and perpetrator, and share information. The meeting is confidential.

Together, the meeting writes an action plan for each victim. They work best when everyone involved understands their roles and the right processes to follow. We call these meetings MARACS, but they are also referred to as a multi-agency risk assessment conference.

There are four aims of MARAC, these are:

• Protect adult victims
• Manage behaviour of perpetrators
• Make links with other public protection arrangements
• Protect agency staff

If a worker from any agency has serious concerns about a client's situation they can complete the Safe lives DASH risk assessment checklist with their client or refer to MIA (see below) to assist with this if required to do so.

If 14 or more boxes have been ticked “yes” or there is significant cause for concern (may include repeat victim cases) the referring agency should, where appropriate, inform a client about the MARAC process and obtain consent to information being shared with other agencies present. Consent should be obtained. However if consent is not obtained it can still be referred to MARAC. 

The MIA Service provides a crisis intervention and advocacy service if you are experiencing domestic abuse and will help you and your family to minimise future risks of harm. They will ensure that when you exit this service, you can continue to be supported by relevant agencies.

The MIA worker will:

• Complete a risk assessment with you
• Provide a safety plan Signpost you to relevant services
• Liaise with agencies on your behalf
• Attend MARAC on your behalf to ensure your voice is at the centre of the meeting